Jim Joy

Jim Joy (born April 18, 1977) is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2023. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Joy represents District 4B in northwestern Minnesota, which includes the cities of Detroit Lakes and Dilworth and parts of Becker and Clay Counties.^[1][2]

Jim Joy
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 4B district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2023
Preceded by	Paul Marquart
Personal details
Born	(1977-04-18) April 18, 1977 (age 48) Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Stephanie
Children	3
Residence(s)	Hawley, Minnesota, U.S.
Occupation	Business owner Legislator
Website	Government website Campaign website

Early life, education and career

Joy was born and grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He has served as a volunteer firefighter and on the police reserve. Joy was on the Hawley, Minnesota, City Council for two years and served as mayor for six years.^[1]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Joy was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022. He first ran after legislative redistricting and after 11-term DFL incumbent Paul Marquart announced he would not seek reelection.^[1]

Joy won reelection in 2024.^[3]

Joy serves on the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee and the Taxes Committee.^[1]

Electoral history

2022 Minnesota State House - District 4B^[4]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jim Joy	10,780	62.88
	Democratic (DFL)	John Hest	6,348	37.03
	Write-in		15	0.09
Total votes			17,143	100.0
	Republican gain from Democratic (DFL)

2024 Minnesota State House - District 4B^[5]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	Jim Joy	15,273	66.41
	Democratic (DFL)	Thaddeus Laugisch	7,709	33.52
	Write-in		16	0.07
Total votes			22,998	100.0
	Republican hold

Personal life

Joy lives in Hawley, Minnesota, with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children.^[1]